The great Americanfolk singer, Pete Seeger died yesterday at the age of 94. Seeger used his music to support civil rights, labor unions, the peace movement, environmental causes and other social issues. He often used spirituals to inspire and encourage his audiences. Spirituals he sang, like “We Shall Overcome” played an integral role in the American Civil Rights movement. Bruce Springsteen once said of Seeger, “At some point, [he] decided he’d be a walking, singing reminder of all of America’s history. He’d be a living archive of America’s music and conscience, a testament of the power of song and culture to nudge history along, to push American events towards more humane and justified ends. He would have the audacity and the courage to sing in the voice of the people.” May he rest in peace. Listen to two of his spirituals and see photos after the jump:

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